2019 The Grand Opening (Hullbridge)

After eight happy years in Battlesbridge The Harbour Club moved into our new home ‘The Old School’ in Hullbridge. The School was originally built in 1901 it was the local school for children in Hullbridge and South Woodham Ferrers. After much renovation it has now taken on a new lease of life...once again the Old School is filled with music and laughter.

The Grand Opening was on Saturday 12th May 2019, the building was blessed by The Revd David Oxtoby and ribbon cut by Rt Hon Mark Francois MP, patron to the Friends of The Harbour Club.

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August 2019 Our first mini classic car show took place in August 2019. Proud car owners generously brought their classic cars to the club and allowed our members to sit in them and admire them, bringing back many happy motoring memories…

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2019 Feeding the Swans The Old School is only a short walk from the River Crouch which is home to around 40 beautiful swans. We took the opportunity with the fine weather to get some exercise, so we walked to the river and fed the swans. Next time we’re going to take a flask of tea... Thirsty work!!!

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2019 Riverside Primary School Choir We were so lucky to be entertained by Riverside Primary School Choir. They sang a medley of pop songs through the years from the 1950’s to present day. They were superb and had us all singing along. This was the first of hopefully many more joint projects with the children of Riverside. (Photo printed with permission)

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2018 Afternoon Tea Last summer we were kindly invited to take our members, staff and volunteers to The Tea Room @ Frasers for tea and cake. So once a week, weather permitting, two members and two staff took a stroll from the club over to Frasers for a special treat. Needless to say this was a very popular activity.

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2017 Strawberry Tea...
Our annual Strawberry Tea last July was a huge success. Gordon Bennett entertained us with a medley of the old favourites, as we waved our union flags and danced the afternoon away...

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2017 Thanking Carers Carers’ week was in June 2017 and our members enjoyed making flower arrangements with design ideas and resources supplied by Joanne’s florist in Ferry Road Hullbridge. Carers’ week is an opportunity to come together to show love and thanks for those who take the time, patience, positivity, and determination to care for somebody who needs their help. At The Harbour Club we are very aware of the value of carers and the wonderful job that they do.

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2017 Pizza... Members were given a fresh pizza base, then they individually applied a choice of toppings, the pizzas were baked in the oven and eaten for lunch, magnifico!!!

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2017 Hadleigh Farm September 2017 saw us venturing out of Battlesbridge up to Hadleigh Rare Breeds Farm for an afternoon visit. The weather was chilly but it didn’t stop us having a good look around at all the animals, we were happy to retire to the restaurant for our favourite tea and cakes!!!

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2016 Pygmy Hedgehogs In January 2016 Essex Pygmy Hedgehogs came to visit. Hazel the owner brought two tiny Hedgehogs that were very tame and happy to be handled. We thought they would be prickly to touch, but their spines felt like a soft brush. We all fell in love with them and can’t wait for their next visit. www.pygmyhedgehogs.co.uk

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2016 Geometric Artwork We are always looking for new ways of encouraging our creative members to express their artistic flare. We were particularly proud of our geometric artwork. Acrylic on canvas and then collaged with a generous amount of bling!!! We are trained to encourage the creative process rather than the end result, in contrast to this we feel that our members have a keen eye for the finished work and take particular pride in their handiwork. Hence the need to discover achievable projects that will allow them to produce something to be proud of and enhance their sense of well-being.

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2016 Pot Gardening We like to get our hands dirty at The Harbour Club spending time planting seeds, or potting plants. We are very proud of the selection of flower pots on our decking. Gardening activities are familiar to many people, having spent many hours tending their own gardens. Pot gardening is designed to provide sensory stimulation, encourage gentle physical exercise and invite social interaction on a 1 to 1 basis plus provide opportunities for achievement and reminiscence, with the end results being enjoyed by many.

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2015 Christmas... Christmas is always a busy time at The Harbour Club and last year was no exception. We made our own bunting to decorate the hall for our festive party. Christmas week was extra fun, with Chirstmas dinner and all the trimmings and good old party games. We even had a surprise visitor... Father Christmas turned up for a cup of tea and mince pie, or was it Mark the minibus driver?

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2015 Guy Fawkes... November 5th 2015, was the day we reminisced about ‘Penny for the Guy’, ‘Bon Fire Night’ and ‘Fireworks’. This year we decided to make our own Guy. We collected old clothing and loads of newspaper. We tied the ends of the trousers and sleeves off with string, then stuffed them with screwed up newspaper; we added socks, gloves, hat, scarf and a mask.

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‘Poppy’ Volunter of the Year 2015 ‘Poppy’ our Pets as Therapy Dog has been visiting us with her owner Philip Ive at The Harbour club every week for the past year. She is a seven year old Labradoodle with a very big heart. She never tires of her visits, always arriving eagerly, tail wagging ready for a cuddle. She recently won Volunteer of the Year with the Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Services Well Done Poppy!

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2015 Easter Time This year we decorated an Easter tree with Pom Pom chicks, ribbons and decorated egg shells. Easter bonnet decorating was popular with the ladies; they all looked very cheerful wearing them. Friends of The Harbour Club kindly donated chocolate bunnies for all our members which was much appreciated.

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2014 ‘Turt’ the Turtle Meet Turt the turtle, he belongs to Crispin one of our volunteers. Crispin kindly brought Turt, a Ridgeback Turtle in to meet us for the day. He had his own tank complete with rocks and weeds. Crispin explained that Turt is 22 years old and was only expected to live 15-20 years. Turt was not our usual four legged friend, but was of great interest to our members.

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2014 Valentine’s Cakes

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2014 Handy Crafts Arts and crafts are an enjoyable way to spend time engaged in a purposeful activity. Resulting with something creative for members to take home and be proud of.

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2013 Friendship This wonderful picture is a great advert for the joy of making new friends whatever your age...

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2012 Hawaiian Day Tuesday 12th August was our Hawaiian themed day. Our members made Hawaiian leis and paper flowers in the lead up, making us a very colourful group. Luckily the sun shone for us! We enjoyed tropical fruit cocktails and a visit from the Rossi Ice Cream van (cornets all round). Staff practiced their hula hula dancing, which gave members a good laugh.

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2011 Western Day The Western theme day was held on 30th August 2011. The Harbour Club staff dressed as cowboys and learnt a couple of line dancing routines. Lunch was typical western style bangers, mash and beans. Members enjoyed the western themed games afternoon, including horse racing and pin the tail on the mule.